It's the Doctrine, Stupid

Terry Mattingly

Terry L. Mattingly writes that the Roman Catholic Church has to face the problem
of homosexuals in the priesthood ("the issue that dare not speak its name") and the
weakening of the doctrines guiding sexuality ("proportionalism") before it can return to
healing souls.

...Yes, most U.S. bishops are saying as little as possible right now, especially about
the issue that dares not speak its name. One reason the cardinal of New York was so
flustered was that the dean of his own cathedral, the Rev. Msgr. Eugene Clark, had just
preached a sermons that echoed in newsrooms as well as in pews. Clark said the Catholic
hierarchy has been sinfully silent on homosexuality, in part because it feared being
accused of fanning the flames of prejudice.

But this crisis is not just about sex. It's about doctrine.

"Simply, it said that while abortion, fornication, adultery, divorce, remarriage and
contraception all remained sins, they could be permitted" if someone had a serious enough
reason - a "proportionate reason" for committing the acts, he said.